It can be discouraging when your attorney doesn’t do a good job representing you. This could occur due to various reasons, such as poor communication or an absence of responses from them.
Lawyers have an ethical responsibility to represent you and promptly respond to your messages. This is particularly crucial when the outcome of your case is in jeopardy.
1. They don’t return your calls
It can be discouraging when your attorney seems to vanish for an extended period and fails to return your calls or emails. After all, they are supposed to be a great communicator on your behalf.
Communication is key when communicating with your attorney. If you call them for an update on your case, for example, they’ll likely return your call if you specify what needs to be done quickly and what form it must take.
However, if you need something from your attorney that does not pertain to your case, send them an e-mail instead of calling. Doing this allows them to focus on the task at hand and answer you when they have time instead of interrupting them.
Another possible explanation for why your lawyer may not be returning your calls is that they are simply too busy. They have many cases on their plate and must prioritize them before spending any time on yours.
Attorneys working in offices with multiple clients often face this issue, as do smaller law firms with only a few lawyers.
You may be able to solve this issue by making an appointment with your attorney. You can meet in person, over the phone, or simply leave a message for them to return your call promptly.
If your attorney fails to respond within a reasonable amount of time, it’s best to end the relationship and seek new representation. Keep track of all communications attempts with them and document each one for evidence that you have tried everything possible to reach out but without success.
It is essential to read your retainer agreement and comprehend what happens if you decide to end your relationship with them. Doing this helps avoid any issues with your lawyer in the future.
2. They don’t answer your emails
When your attorney fails to return your calls, it can feel like they are uninterested in what you have to say. This could be due to various reasons such as being too busy with other cases or traveling. No matter the cause, not being able to reach your lawyer is never good news.
To prevent this, ensure you have an effective communication plan with your attorney. This should include how you will contact them when needed and how you will address any issues that arise.
A good communication plan can save you a great deal of stress and time in the long run. Additionally, it may enable you to find a new attorney if your current one cannot deliver on promises.
If your efforts to contact your attorney have not yielded any results, consider sending them a letter in the mail expressing frustration at their lack of response and an urge for them to address all your grievances in detail. Be sure to include a list of the most pressing grievances in this correspondence.
Send your attorney a certified letter (not an email) and keep copies of the correspondence for future reference. Having this document handy can be beneficial should you decide to file a complaint with the State Bar or another legal regulatory body later on. Furthermore, make sure the letter includes that you are prepared to find another attorney should your current one fail to meet your needs or if the matter becomes too serious for you personally to handle.
3. They don’t keep you updated on your case
When your attorney fails to keep you informed on the progress of your case, it can be incredibly discouraging. This is especially true if the matter is one that could take months to resolve, such as a contract dispute or criminal trial. With an effective system of alerts in place, however, staying on top of things and when they occur is easier than ever before.
If you’re fed up with your attorney’s lack of communication, it may be time to take matters into your own hands.
4. They don’t answer your questions
When facing a legal case, having an attorney you can trust is paramount. They should keep you updated on developments, answer all queries and guarantee your security. On the contrary, if an attorney appears not to be doing their job properly it can prove very stressful and upsetting for all involved.
In some instances, your attorney may decide to withdraw from the case entirely, which can be a huge issue. If you’re uncertain if this is the best course of action for your situation, speak with an experienced lawyer and get their professional opinion on whether or not it’s wise to continue working together.
If you feel your attorney has abandoned you, it is critical to get ahold of your file and determine what has been done on your behalf. Your attorney should be able to provide copies of all communication with them as well as copies of any paperwork filed with the court or government agency.
Finally, if you feel that your attorney is no longer representing you well, it is essential to reach out and inform them of this fact. You can do this by sending them a letter or email outlining what transpired.
